Into: New FL lady rider

[Pamela]

Hi Everyone! I'm new and have never owned or driven a motorcycle before. I do, however, drive a manual truck. After a long time of researching and debating, I decided on the GZ250. I bought a bike off craigslist for a deal that I just couldn't pass up. I've named her Lucille. She needs some minor work, but she is up and running great. Now, she is sitting taunting me while I am trying to scrape up the money to get the MSF course and licensed. I did just get her taxed, tagged and registered today. So at least that is a step in the right direction. I also went helmet shopping this last weekend and boy was it a NIGHTMARE! I live in Tallahassee, FL, so not a lot of options in town. Also, I have a very tiny and narrow head. In addition to a "long oval" head shape it is very very small. The XS were too big in a couple of different brands. I tried on some youths but they weren't cut right or something and simply didn't fit. I have a local shop ordering a couple xxs full faced helmets to try. Does anyone have any suggestions on helmet fitting for tiny/ narrow heads. Brands that run small? Thoughts on ordering online? I'm excited to be part of the forum.
Thanks,
Pamela

[Pamela]

PS- it is a 2003 with 3213 miles on it

[Rookie Rider]

Welcome Pamela. You're going to love the GZ, and take the MSF course too. Also get the book called Proficient Motorcycliong by David Hough. Im reading it now and i cant put it down, lol. Im about 3 months new into riding with about 350 miles under my belt. Stick around this forum YOU WILL LEARN ALOT FROM THESE GUYS AND WOMEN. Be safe!!

[blaine]

Welcome to the family.Enjoy your new ride. :)

[Rookie Rider]

blaine is just 1 of the many that know their stuff, Hey blain.

[Water Warrior 2]

Hi Pamela, glad to have you join us. Helmet shapes are a curse in some cases but a proper fit is definitely more comfy and safe. You can Google webbikeworld for their take on helmet shapes and fit. Their evaluations can help make a decision as to what to look for and why. A lot of rider experience on their pages about all sorts of gear.

[5th_bike]

Welcome to the forum Pamela :2tup:

Well HJC is a brand that I know they have different size soft inserts for different head shapes.

So the best of luck helmet shopping and also good luck with the MSF course. If you can ride a bicycle AND you know how to manual stick shift you should be good to go.

[mavrix]

PS- it is a 2003 with 3213 miles on it

A 2003, nice; same year as mine. :) Welcome to the forum Pamela! What color is it?

[Rionna]

Hi Pam welcome to the forum. Congrats on your new bike. I'm sure you will love it. I am also new to riding and started 2 months ago with 1,100 miles so far. I've named my bike the Beast and I love him. I think it's been said that only we women name our bikes, umph! I ride every opportunity I get and it is pure therapy for me...relaxing and refreshing. The GZ is a great bike, the book Rookie Rider recommended is very helpful, and this forum is the best with lots of tips, encouragement, and advice from experienced riders. I hope you are up and riding soon. Be safe and have fun.

[Rookie Rider]

Rionna, you're no joke. High 5 (smack)

[Pamela]

PS- it is a 2003 with 3213 miles on it

A 2003, nice; same year as mine. :) Welcome to the forum Pamela! What color is it?



She is lime green with a red "heart". One side panel is red.

[Pamela]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes!!! Can't wait to get riding.

I've been using webbikeworld for a bit. It is super helpful for the most part. Just doesn't address "tiny long oval" head shape. I have an extremely hard time buying shoes too. I shouldn't be surprised with helmets.

@Rionna- Wow!! impressive. I loved the fact that you named him "beast". I thought most people named their bikes, too funny it seems to be predominately women. I'll try to figure out how to post pics soon. Since mine is lime green with a red "heart" it totally makes sense that her name is Lucille. She has the persona of the crazy southern lady with cat eye glasses and blue hair that totally drops the "f" bomb everywhere. The relaxing qualities are one of the main reasons that I have been wanting to get a bike. I am physically in a lot of pain most of the time, and I could really use a break from it even for just a "joy ride"

[mavrix]

PS- it is a 2003 with 3213 miles on it

A 2003, nice; same year as mine. :) Welcome to the forum Pamela! What color is it?



She is lime green with a red "heart". One side panel is red.

Sure sounds unique! I can't wait to see a photo.

[Pamela]

I just like to describe it as a heart. It is where someone didn't take the best care of her. The guy I bought it from fixed it up just enough to get her running and to sell her(not the original owner). The tail light for instance isn't close to be stock. But she is beautiful in my book and I'll try to post pics soon. I don't have computer at home right now so I'll have to figure out how to post from my iPhone or from work. Thanks!

[Water Warrior 2]

I just like to describe it as a heart. It is where someone didn't take the best care of her. The guy I bought it from fixed it up just enough to get her running and to sell her(not the original owner). The tail light for instance isn't close to be stock. But she is beautiful in my book and I'll try to post pics soon. I don't have computer at home right now so I'll have to figure out how to post from my iPhone or from work. Thanks!
No need to apologize if your bike is not perfect. It just has experience. Scratch your bike and get it dirty. Make it look like it is ridden not saved for some one else down the road.

[mole2]

Welcome to the forum from South Carolina. You made a wise decision taking the MSF course. Ride safe.


:)

[alantf]

I'll try to figure out how to post pics soon.








Go to :- post reply > browse > add the file > put in line > submit :2tup:

[mrlmd1]

Where did you go in Tallahassee to look for helmets? Besides the big dealers, like Tallahassee Powersports or Florida Motorsprts or Fast Trixx,- take a look down at Orion on S. Monroe St. They don't have a large selection, but there might be something that fits, you never know. There's maybe 15 dealers or shops in the phone book.
Do not buy a helmet online unless you saw one in the store that fits and you're trying to save a few bucks ordering the exact same one you tried on.

You must take the MSF course down here to get the endorsement on your driver's license, and for your own good and safety. IMO, you should stay off the bike, no "lessons" from well-meaning friends, no practice or trying of anything until you take the course. It's better to try and learn things correctly the first time from a qualified instructor than to unlearn bad habits later.
After you get your license, take it easy up there on the big roads with all the cars, find a school yard or empty parking lot for practice, and go out on the smaller tree lined roads for a ride.
Or, come on down here to Wakulla county (Shell Point, Crawfordville) where there are some nice open roads to ride.
Welcome to the club, you'll never be the same after you start to ride.

[Rookie Rider]

lmao, alantf

[alantf]

lmao, alantf

?????????????????????????????? :??:

[Water Warrior 2]

lmao, alantf

?????????????????????????????? :??:
LMAO=Laughing my a$$ off.

[alantf]

[quote="Rookie Rider":3tsx7xlh]lmao, alantf

?????????????????????????????? :??:
LMAO=Laughing my a$$ off.[/quote:3tsx7xlh]

Whoops.. I read it as IMAO - In My Arrogant Opinion. :blush:

[Way]

I've just got 1000 miles logged in but I also grew up riding dirt bikes albeit about 37 years ago :cool:

Don't try to ride but do sit on the bike with the kick stand down. Try to get used to sitting on the bike still, holding it up. Keep the kick stand down so you can set it down if you start to lose your balance. Also if you can unlock the handlebar so you can see how it fits you, that might help you see if you need to make any adjustments before you start practicing.

Hope this helps and welcome aboard!